Author Archives: Molly Carter

Signs of Depression and Suicide

Depression, as a mental health illness, is one of those things that is hard to explain if you have never experienced it or see it in someone close to you. It’s more than just feeling down. It’s more than just a series of bad days. Anytime that depression begins to affect your ability to do the thing you normally do, then there is a chance it may be more than just being sad. Depression is a disease that affects millions of people, men and women, old and young, across all ethnic and cultural boundaries. And, chances are, it is affecting … Continue reading →

Home Remedies for Colic Probably Won’t Work

According to a new review, based on fifteen different studies, most at home remedies for colic don’t work. The studies compared such folk remedies as fennel seed, sugar water, and massage. While some of these things worked for some babies, there was nothing that worked across the board. If you’ve ever had a colicky baby, you know this to be true. In my own experience, what would work one night, would not necessarily work the next. And I had it easy. The worst experience I had with colic was with my middle child. She would cry from five o’clock in … Continue reading →

Milk Problems

I breastfeed. I’ve breastfed all three of my children and I love it. Not only is it the best food for baby, but it gives me downtime with my little ones that is strictly between them and me. No one can substitute for me, no one can take my place. It’s a bonding experience that I couldn’t imagine not having with my babies. But about four weeks ago, I had a really nasty cold. I took some anti-histamines. The next day I found out that it really wasn’t a cold, it was the flu. A flu that was accompanied by … Continue reading →

Crossfit Helps Me with Stress Levels

So, my stress levels have been high lately, and, thanks to the help of some people at work, I have found a new way to release much of the tension and stress… Through Crossfit. If you’re not familiar with Crossfit, it is an approach to fitness that is intense and exhausting. It is cardio and weightlifting all rolled into one. And it’s helping me get through the tough time I’ve been having. I’ve blogged in the past about how exercise (and sleep) can aid in stress management, but I’ve never quite experienced anything like this before. Crossfit combines basic movements … Continue reading →

Family Influence on Mental Health

I’ve been wondering and I’ve come to the conclusion that like so many other things in life, our mental health often represents our upbringing. I look at one side of my family. At my grandmother’s level of the family tree there were ten siblings. They were raised in a strong Catholic family, learned to help take care of one another (with ten of them, what more could you do), rely on one another, and be open and honest. Family was the focus of their lives. They had twelve people in a three bedroom house, so there was no choice but … Continue reading →

Before You Opt for Sleeping Pills

When we talk about having trouble sleeping, there are many things that you can try before turning towards medication. Prescription medication for sleep disorders are not like taking a Tylenol PM. They are highly addictive and can have massive side effects. If you’re having trouble sleeping, play close attention to what you are eating and drinking in the evenings. Avoid snacking two hours before bed, that way your body has your food digested and it’s not just sitting in your stomach. Of course you should avoid caffeinated beverages, such as soda, tea, and coffee. You should try and avoid these … Continue reading →

Meditation as Stress Relief

So, the day has come. Today, I dropped my husband off at the bus station. He is going 800 miles away. I am left with three children, a dog, a cat, a house, and a yard, all alone with my high stress levels and postpartum madness. But I think I’m going to try a couple new things to help me cope with the situation. First, as I mentioned before, will be organization. I’m going to physically write a schedule and post it on the kitchen wall. This schedule will include things like dinner and story time. Play time and clean … Continue reading →

Panic Attack at Work

Do you know anyone who has panic attacks? Have you ever experienced one? It’s not fun. My last panic attack was about two years ago (knock on wood) shortly after I started working at my current job. I wasn’t feeling well, and it started when I felt like I was going to throw up. I hate throwing up. I’m not good at it, and I starting getting anxious because I didn’t want to get sick at work. Once I realized that I was beginning to panic, I told a fellow team member that I was going to step outside and … Continue reading →

Breastfeeding is a Personal Choice

As a mother who has nursed three babies and edits an attachment parenting site, I am a big supporter of breastfeeding. But one thing I’ve noticed is that some people are crazy about it. There are a lot of breastfeeding moms and supporters out there that get kind of nasty to moms that don’t breastfeed. My personal experience was when my oldest quit nursing at seven months old. She just quit. No notice, no warning. Just one day she woke up and wanted nothing to do with my breast. Come to find out I was pregnant, but she didn’t care, … Continue reading →

Link Between Family’s Wealth and Teen Drinking

A recent study came out that discussed how teens from wealthier families had a higher tendency to drink alcohol than their peers who come from low income families. Although many like to think that having money would make you and your children healthier, this may not always be the case. At first, I found this study surprising, but upon reflection, I’m guessing it was the same way during my high school days. The big drinkers in my school were defiantly the “popular” kids, most of which were from the wealthier families in my hometown. They were the binge drinkers, getting … Continue reading →